The groundhog also isn't allowed to hibernate. In his condition, park officials wake him from his deep slumber every couple of days.

Despite the early troubles in his life, Grady has found a home at Chimney Rock, and the people attending the park's Groundhog Day ceremony are evidence of that. The excitement built Saturday until Grady finally emerged from his den to lots of “oohs” and “ahhs” and camera flashes.

<p>Grady, a 4-year-old groundhog who has been the star at Chimney Rock State Park for three years, was brought to the park as the result of a nationwide search for an animal ambassador. </p><p>Park officials found the personable groundhog in 2009 at the Wildlife Center of Minnesota in St. Paul's.</p><p>Because Grady had suffered brain damage from a parasite, he could not be released back into the wild after the parasite was removed. His behavior reflects that lingering brain damage.</p><p>“Sometimes Grady runs in circles if he gets upset or frustrated,” park naturalist and education manager Emily Walker said. </p><p>The groundhog also isn't allowed to hibernate. In his condition, park officials wake him from his deep slumber every couple of days. </p><p>Despite the early troubles in his life, Grady has found a home at Chimney Rock, and the people attending the park's Groundhog Day ceremony are evidence of that. The excitement built Saturday until Grady finally emerged from his den to lots of “oohs” and “ahhs” and camera flashes. </p><p>“He's got a lot of personality,” Walker said.</p><p>Reach Millwood at 828-694-7881 or at joey.millwood@blueridgenow.com.</p>